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Topic Review (Newest First)

10-25-2012 04:10 PM

L124C

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

The interesting thing about that is a) rafting clearly is not permitted at that location... and b) who makes the 'too rough' call? Does the dockmaster chase people off at some point? Put out spikes to discourage docking at some point? A water taxi only zone is another common feature in our area, or at least a 'loading/drop off only zone'... something which would/should have avoided your initial issue, I'd think....

There is no Dockmaster. Only a security guard you see walking around occasionally (I've never seen him on the dock, and doubt he would know Port from Starboard). The big power yacht I referred to in post 24 was parked overnight in the Water Taxi zone, and was certainly much longer than 40 feet, so it seems enforcement is nil. For the Port Authority, probably the most important line on the sign is the one that releases them from liability!

10-25-2012 04:00 PM

casey1999

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

No one country in perfect.

As far as Euros putting the United States down because we don't want to raft. Give me a break- would you all rather be speaking German?

10-25-2012 03:47 PM

L124C

Mines bigger than yours!

Here is a prime example of America's willingness to share and the "Ugly American" in one shot. McCovey Cove before last nights opener of the World Series. This was early...many more boats would pack in before the game started (mine certainly not being one of them!)
Apparently, the cat owner wanted there to be no doubt about his nationality, at an American ball park where the game is played almost exclusively by American teams! The flag is about as long as his boat! We've got the biggest flag so...We're #1...We're #1! I'd like to see what would happen if it started blowing 30 knots!
Anyway, I digress. I'm off to open a fender concession at the ball park!

10-24-2012 07:16 PM

casey1999

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

[QUOTE=JonEisberg;937879]
One other reason I think Americans might be more resistant to rafting, is the comparatively high percentage of those doing their cruising in true "Yacht Style", aboard new boats with flawless, Awlgripped topsides, and often unsuited to rafting, lacking rubrails or suitable attachment points for fenders, and whatnot... At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have those like the French, who favor more rugged, utilitarian boats of bare aluminum, on which any cosmetic damage from rafting will likely go unnoticed...

The interesting thing about that is a) rafting clearly is not permitted at that location... and b) who makes the 'too rough' call? Does the dockmaster chase people off at some point? Put out spikes to discourage docking at some point?

A water taxi only zone is another common feature in our area, or at least a 'loading/drop off only zone'... something which would/should have avoided your initial issue, I'd think....

10-24-2012 05:56 PM

chrisncate

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonEisberg

No doubt the irony of your post is not lost on some of our international friends... It's no secret that we Americans are often perceived as "know-it-alls", but now the argument is being put forth that we might be granted some sort of exemption from the practice of rafting, largely due to our widespread and fundamental INCOMPETENCE as sailors and boat handlers?

Once again, I'm guessing some of those abroad who might be reading this have gotten another chuckle at our own expense... (grin)

Frankly, I could care less what my foreign friends here think about any perceived American arrogance (haughty arrogance is certainly not localized to only the USA). Rafting is not customary as the default on the Chesapeake Bay at public docks (like it or not, I do speak the truth on that), and I stand by my statement 100% about how common it is here to have incompetents behind the tiller/wheel.

Tell me this Jon - is there any difference for the individual in what's involved with legally operating a sailboat in other countries as compared to the USA? In Germany (for example) regarding motor vehicle licensing and operating requirements, you are far better trained and competent there than here. I wonder if there is more regulation and training for those who wish to operate a vessel outside of the USA, and if so - does this perhaps make the whole concept of rafting and boarding unannounced an easier pill to swallow for those who would worry about the safety of their vessel?

10-24-2012 05:25 PM

L124C

Signs, signs....everywhere signs!

I was in the area, so I took pictures of the signs on the dock in the OP. Turns out, the rules are well spelled out on each piling, including the water taxi section. Though, I took the shots at low tide, and the signs were about four feet over my head (I'm 6 feet tall). Probably would be a good idea to mount the same signs at the ramp were visibility wouldn't be affected by tide. In any case, though I had read them in the past, the "no rafting" provision never registered as I never would consider rafting there. The "no docking during rough weather provision" is rather interesting. I've been at the dock when the weather was nothing short of spectacular, but the surge couldn't get any worse without a Tsunami. A major storm certainly wouldn't chop it up any more!

10-24-2012 02:27 PM

skygazer

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by L124C

I agree, but this thread has certainly pointed out that many don't share that view.
BTW, if you have followed this thread, you will know that the comment by "crisncate" you responded to was tongue in cheek (I think it's safe to assume!). Though, similar opinions have been stated here by others.
Was there any logical reason you could see for them moving your boat? I.e., did your original mooring accommodate a larger vessel?

Yes, tongue in cheek, that's why I laughed.

No visible reason for the move, lots of empty moorings everywhere, most power boats were gone for the year, only sailboats left. There is a harbor master who could have been notified and who could notify the mooring owner (I rented it) or me. Obviously someone felt they had a reason, just can't figure it. Perhaps some local squabble with the company owning the moorings. My boat was found on another mooring owned by the same company, but no one there knew anything about it. So it had to be someone with knowledge of who owned the moorings.

Could be a bright side, maybe next year I'll ask for the new mooring, it was much closer to the town dock. But my actual mooring was nice, all sailboats around me and 3 or 4 beautiful wooden yawls with wooden spars in perfect shape. Perhaps they didn't like my ugly little modern Hunter nearby? I don't know if the new mooring is normally surrounded by power boats, which swing differently when the wind opposes the tide. I prefer the sailboats, we all swing together.

My mother had a lovely wooden yawl, maybe 40 ft or so, so I like seeing them. I thought they were rather rare, I was delighted to have them as close neighbors. There were quite a few scattered about, and we anchored at one island where we were joined by a friendly couple on one. They did not even own a motor! I watched them sail off their anchor and learned a bit just by watching.

10-24-2012 02:08 PM

casey1999

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonEisberg

she countered with her sharp British wit, something to the effect of "Well, with you Yanks, we're never sure, we know how much you value your private space...",

She is just mad that we won the Revolution...

10-24-2012 01:42 PM

L124C

Re: Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skygazer

LOL, to me sharing implies consent. I was glad to still have my boat.

I agree, but this thread has certainly pointed out that many don't share that view.
BTW, if you have followed this thread, you will know that the comment by "crisncate" you responded to was tongue in cheek (I think it's safe to assume!). Though, similar opinions have been stated here by others.
Was there any logical reason you could see for them moving your boat? I.e., did your original mooring accommodate a larger vessel?

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